How to Use Witch Hazel for Acne: Remove Acne-Causing Bacteria

Acne is perhaps the most common skin problem in the world. Almost everybody has had to deal with it at some point or another. Although it’s more prevalent in the teenage years, acne may follow you well into adulthood.

Acne is caused when hair follicles become clogged with dead skin cells and oil (produced by the sebaceous glands of the skin). Acne-causing bacteria may also enter the pores and result in breakouts. This leads to blackheads, whiteheads, and pimples. The areas that are most susceptible to this skin condition are the face, back, shoulders and butt.

Acne breakouts can be a result of overactive sebaceous glands, hormonal changes, poor diet, stress, medication side effects, unhygienic lifestyle, lack of sleep, dandruff and more. Although this problem is not a serious threat to your health, it may leave behind marks and scars.

There are a number of home remedies that work well for preventing and dealing with acne, and one ingredient that’s among the top on the list is witch hazel.

This medicinal liquid is obtained from the witch hazel shrub and is of great therapeutic value. It acts as an antimicrobial, antiviral and antibacterial agent.

Breakouts are often accompanied by redness, discomfort and swelling. The anti-inflammatory and soothing properties found in witch hazel offer quick relief from these symptoms. Its astringent properties also constrict the pores and blood vessels under the skin’s surface. The reduction of large skin pores helps prevent acne.

The active ingredients present in witch hazel alleviate swelling and inflammation, reduce cellular damage and soothe wounds. This is why it is a must-have item for your medicine cabinet. Witch hazel also has high content of tannins, polyphenols, flavonoids and more that make it a workable remedy for acne and treating different skin conditions.

Here are 10 ways you can use witch hazel for acne and removing acne-causing bacteria.

Method 1: Witch Hazel

Witch hazel can be applied directly on the areas with the acne breakout. Make sure you thoroughly wash your face before applying it.

Single-Step Treatment: Apply witch hazel on the affected areas

• Pour a few drops of witch hazel on a cotton ball.
• Apply the solution on the acne breakout.
• Let it dry.

You may use this remedy 2-3 times daily. You will begin to see results in no time!

Method 2: Witch Hazel & Rose Water

The anti-inflammatory, emollient, antibacterial, toning and cleansing properties of rose water make it a very popular ingredient for skincare and beauty products. It helps treat skin irritation, reduces redness and works well for conditions like acne, eczema and dermatitis.

Rose water controls excess oil, cleanses the pores and plays a role in maintaining the pH balance of the skin. It will also help you get rid of acne scars and enjoy radiant skin!

The antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties of both witch hazel and rose water make this remedy extremely effective for treating acne.

Things you’ll need:

• Rose water – 1 tablespoon
• Witch hazel – ½ tablespoon

Single-Step Treatment: Mix the ingredients & spray it on the acne  

• Put ½ tablespoon of witch hazel and 1 tablespoon of rose water in a spray bottle.
• Shake the bottle in order to make sure the ingredients are mixed properly.
• Spray the mixture on the affected areas.
• Let the mixture dry. You may rinse your face after 15 minutes.

Use this remedy twice a day.

Method 3: Witch Hazel & Lemon Juice

The L-ascorbic acid found in lemon juice is a natural astringent that can be used for curing acne. This ingredient also contains vitamin C, which is beneficial in promoting growth of healthy skin tissue, and lightening scars and spots. The antibacterial properties present in lemon aid in removing acne-causing bacteria.

Together, lemon juice and witch hazel will exfoliate the dead skin cells, remove the excess oil and clear the clogged pores.

Things you’ll need:

• Lemon juice – 1 tablespoon
• Witch hazel – 1 tablespoon
• Water – 1 tablespoon

Step 1. Mix the ingredients together to form a solution  

• Put 1 tablespoon each of witch hazel, lemon juice and water in a bowl.
• Stir the solution to mix all the ingredients together.
  

Step 2. Use a cotton ball to apply the solution on the problem areas 

• Use a cotton ball to apply the mixture on the affected areas.
• Let the solution dry and leave it on for 30 minutes.
• Wash it off with water.

You may use this remedy twice a week. If you have sensitive skin, you may further dilute the solution by adding more water.

Method 4: Witch Hazel & Tea Tree Essential Oil

The useful properties and benefits of a number of essential oils have been recognized over the past few years. One that certainly tops the chart is tea tree essential oil. It is widely used to treat various skin ailments, including acne.

Tea tree oil is a natural antiseptic that disinfects the skin pores and eliminates acne-causing bacteria. It also has antimicrobial properties that curb breakouts.

Things you’ll need:

• Tea tree oil – 4-5 drops
• Witch hazel – 1 teaspoon

Single-Step Treatment: Mix witch hazel and tea tree oil & use the solution on the acne  

• Put 1 teaspoon of witch hazel and 4-5 drops of tree tea oil in a bowl and mix well.
• Use a cotton swab to apply the mixture on the acne and acne-prone areas.

For best results, use this solution 2 times a day.

Method 5: Witch Hazel & Baking Soda

Baking soda is an immensely versatile product that is used for cleaning purposes, skincare and hair care, among other things. It helps keep skin problems at bay by gently exfoliating dirt and dead skin cells and clearing the pores. It also aids in regulating the pH balance of the skin, removes excess oil and treats inflamed skin bumps and pimples.

The anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties of baking soda make it a useful remedy for dealing with acne.

Things you’ll need:

• Baking soda – 1 teaspoon
• Witch hazel – enough to make a paste

Step 1. Mix the ingredients into a paste

• Put 1 teaspoon of baking soda in a bowl.
• Add enough witch hazel to make a paste.
• Mix the ingredients well.

Step 2. Apply the paste on the affected areas

• Apply the paste on the acne and acne-prone areas using a cotton swab.
• Leave it on for about 15 minutes before rinsing it off with lukewarm water.
• Pat your skin dry.
• Finish with an oil-free moisturizer.

Use the witch hazel and baking soda remedy once every 3 days. This will help you get rid of your acne issues within 2 weeks.

Method 6: Witch Hazel & Honey

Honey works well in preventing and treating acne, as it possesses antibacterial, antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties. It rids your skin pores of the acne-causing bacteria and significantly reduces the redness and inflammation caused by breakouts. It also keeps your skin hydrated.

Things you’ll need:

• Honey – 2 teaspoons
• Witch hazel – 1 teaspoon

Single-Step Treatment: Mix honey and witch hazel & apply the solution on the acne

• Mix 1 teaspoon of witch hazel and 2 teaspoons of honey together well.
• Apply the mixture on the areas affected by acne.
• Leave the solution on for about 15 minutes.
• Rinse it off with water.

For best results, use this remedy 2 or 3 times daily until you begin to see results.

Method 7: Witch Hazel & Turmeric

From breakouts to the nasty scars they leave behind, turmeric is a one-stop solution for all your acne-related issues. It has antioxidant, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and oil-controlling properties that help deal with the various symptoms of this skin condition.

Together, witch hazel and turmeric treat the acne and also help prevent further breakouts.

Things you’ll need:

• Turmeric powder – 1 tablespoon
• Witch hazel – enough to make a paste

Single-Step Treatment: Mix witch hazel and turmeric powder & apply the mixture on the acne

• Mix together 1 tablespoon of turmeric powder and enough witch hazel to make a paste.
• Apply the paste on the affected areas.
• Keep it on for 15 minutes.
• Wipe it off using a damp washcloth.

Use this remedy once daily to get rid of acne.

Method 8: Witch Hazel & Coconut Oil

This remedy works for almost every skin type. Coconut oil offers antifungal, antioxidant and antibacterial properties and removes dirt, impurities and acne-causing germs from the skin.

It has lauric acid, an antimicrobial agent that helps keep acne away. It is very soothing on the skin and has anti-inflammatory benefits useful for reducing the inflammation and pain caused by acne.

Things you’ll need:

• Coconut oil – 1 teaspoon
• Witch hazel – 1 teaspoon

Step 1. Mix the ingredients to make a solution

• Mix 1 teaspoon each of coconut oil and witch hazel in a bowl.

Step 2. Apply the solution on the affected areas 

• Using a cotton swab, apply the solution on the acne and acne-prone areas.
• Let it sit undisturbed for about 20 minutes until it dries.
• Rinse it off.

Method 9: Witch Hazel & Aloe Vera

Aloe vera is a natural remedy that has an endless list of benefits. It works for everything, be it hair care, skincare or healthcare. It is a natural antibacterial and antimicrobial agent and helps fight the causes behind acne breakouts. The glycoproteins present in aloe vera gel are useful in reducing inflammation.

Aloe vera gel rehydrates and soothes the skin. This remedy also reduces visible acne scars as it promotes new skin cell formation.

Things you’ll need:

• Aloe vera – 1 teaspoon
• Witch hazel – 1 teaspoon

Single-Step Treatment: Mix the ingredients & apply it on the acne  

• Mix together 1 teaspoon each of aloe vera gel and witch hazel.
• Use a cotton ball to dab the mixture on the problem areas.

Daily use of this remedy will help cure your acne in no time!

Method 10: Witch Hazel & Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar is an effective cure for acne, as it offers antibacterial and antiseptic benefits. It helps keep your pores unclogged by removing dirt, oil, bacteria and other impurities. It also helps prevent acne breakouts by restoring and balancing the pH level of the skin.

Things you’ll need:

• Apple cider vinegar – 1 tablespoon
• Witch hazel – 1 tablespoon

Step 1. Mix the ingredients 

• Mix 1 tablespoon each of apple cider vinegar and witch hazel in a bowl.

Step 2. Apply the mixture on the acne 

• Use a cotton ball to apply the solution on the areas affected by acne.
• Let it dry for about 20 minutes.
• Rinse it off with water.

Use this remedy once or twice a week.

Tips

• Cleanliness and hygiene are of utmost importance to keep skin problems like acne away along with using witch hazel for acne and removing acne-causing bacteria. Regular exfoliating, cleansing and moisturizing will help take proper care of your skin and remove bacteria and impurities before they can cause problems.
• A healthy lifestyle, a nutritious diet and regular exercise also help keep acne away.
• Always remove your makeup before going to bed.
• Never squeeze or pop pimples, as this may lead to scars and infections.